History

The History of Peoples Bank

In 1988, Ronald E. Abbott (Founder), along with a group of local businessmen, formed Texas Peoples National Bancshares, Inc. (“TPNB”). TPNB acquired the assets and assumed the liabilities of the failed First National Bank – Bogata from the FDIC. The assets and liabilities were acquired into a new wholly owned subsidiary of TPNB known as PNB. Peoples National Bank was a newly chartered bank through application with the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (“OCC”). In 1990, PNB moved its home office to Paris, Texas, retaining Bogata as a branch location. Abbott, CEO / COB (1988 – 2023) hired Terry Christian as the President of the Bank, bringing a strong local customer base from a competing bank in Paris. PNB began to experience rapid growth as a result of a local board of directors with a commitment to serving the local community. In 1990, PNB built and opened another branch and drive-thru facility at the corner of Collegiate Drive and Lamar Avenue in Paris.

In 1995, PNB opened an additional branch at the newly constructed Wal-Mart Supercenter in Paris. PNB was the first local bank to offer the convenience of three locations to its customers. On March 3, 2004 Texas Banking Commissioner Randall S. James issued a state charter for Peoples Bank, Paris, Texas. Chairman Abbott stated, “We believe that Peoples Bank can best serve its community as a state bank and look forward to operating under a state charter.”

In the Peoples Bank board meeting, held November 2020, it was announced that Peoples Bank longtime president, Terry Christian, would retire effective Dec. 31, 2020. The agenda on this day also included a unanimous vote by the board to promote Brad Perry to bank president.

In April 2022, Ronald E. Abbott passed the baton and announced the promotion of Brad Perry to Chief Executive Officer. Abbott stated “Brad’s skillset and knowledge of the banks financials and operations is unmatched within the bank. The analytical talent and leadership he brings to the table have been incredibly beneficial for our operations, and his promotion is very well-deserved. I pass the CEO baton to him with complete confidence, and I look forward to continuing my work alongside him.” Perry has demonstrated his dedication to the Peoples Bank slogan, “People Helping People,” throughout his 32 years of service and said he continues to prioritize progression, development, and excellence with customer experience at the forefront. Perry made the statement, “I have spent my entire banking career with Peoples Bank right here in Lamar County,” Perry said. “I want to thank the board of directors, the entire bank team, my family and our customers for this opportunity because without all of you, none of this is possible. I wake up every morning and am excited to come to work – a blessing I realize not everyone gets to experience.”

In Memoriam: Ronald Earl Abbott